CenPEG launches new book
CenPEG / 25 January 2024

The new book, Spies, Clan Politics, and A New World Order, was launched on January 19 at the Pandesal Forum, Kamuning Bakery, in Quezon City.

The book is authored by Prof. Bobby Tuazon, CenPEG’s director for Policy Studies and former head of the University of the Philippines’ (Manila) political science program.

Tuazon’s book is 351 pages in all. It covers his selected writings from 2001-2023. It captures how the CIA played a pivotal role in anti-insurgency in the early 1950s with then Defense Secretary Ramon Magsaysay who also became a president later. The U.S. role in anti-insurgency resonated until at least the 1980s. Clan Politics underpins the dominance of political dynasties in the Philippines over more than 100 years, their wealth and power ensuring their political rule until today. Likewise, the world system has transitioned from unipolarity under U.S. hegemony to today’s multipolar order that is characterized by the rise of new powers like China, Russia, India, and Vietnam. Today’s new world order undergirds the shift from a western-centric hegemony to a rising Asia where the focal interest is peace and development unlike the West’s dominance and militarism.

The book’s Foreword is written by CenPEG Board Chairman Temario C. Rivera. Cover design and layout is by the think tank’s resident artist, Fidel dela Torre. Journalist Wilson Lee Flores hosted the launching and media forum together with CenPEG Board Chairman Temario Rivera and the author.

In its 20 years, CenPEG has published at least 13 books dealing with corruption, political oligarchy, foreign affairs and international studies, among other issues.

Copies of the book are available at Popular Bookstore in Tomas Morato, Quezon City and at the CenPEG office.

(L-R) Ibon executive director Sonny Africa, Temario Rivera, Bobby Tuazon, Wilson Lee Flores, and Diliman Book Club founder Henson Laurel.